Pete Smith out as NBCU readies international restructure

NBC Universal International will undergo a restructure over the next few months following the departure of president Pete Smith. This comes two months after the appointment of Jeff Shell as chairman of NBC Universal International. Current Comcast International Media Group and Comcast Entertainment Productions president Kevin MacLellan, who worked with Shell at the cable company, is also moving to London to join the international division of the recently acquired Hollywood studio.

Pete Smith is expected to set up a new production and media venture when he steps down at the end of this month.
 
Smith was appointed president, NBC Universal International in 2007 and lead a number of acquisitions including channel group Sparrowhawk, independent producers Carnival Film & Television, which makes hit ITV period drama Downton Abbey, and Monkey Kingdom, producer of The Charlotte Church Show and Young, Dumb and Living Off Mum.

He repeatedly stated his aim was to earn US$5 billion in international revenues by the end of 2010. International revenues for the group at the last financial results were US$3.7 billion.

Shell is currently visiting NBC Universal International’s main territories to meet the existing teams as he plans the restructure.